Citroen C3 Aircross (2024) first drive review
Citroen has shifted its focus to the more budget-friendly segment of the market, and we had a chance to drive its latest model, the C3 Aircross. Here's our first-drive review!
Citroën has been repositioned within the local market and is now aimed at the more affordable end of the segment, which appears to be working well. The C3 hatch is now the Stellantis Group's best-selling model locally, and therefore, the introduction of the Aircross SUV version of the C3 appears well-timed. I headed to the northern suburbs of Johannesburg for the national media launch of the C3 Aircross.
Pros
- Spacious and practical
- Attractive list price
- Solid drivetrain
Cons
- Ride quality leaves much to be desired
- Build quality has dropped
- Fewer airbags than key rivals
Safety
The latest Aircross is yet to be crash-tested. Still, looking at its specifications, it is lacking on the airbags front, with just two, while the basics such as ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a tyre pressure monitoring system and a rearview camera with rear PDC are standard on the current models, but the more basic manual derivative is said to have fewer safety items.
Two Configurations
The new C3 Aircross SUV is manufactured in India and available in 5- and 7-seat configurations. The product is 4 323mm long, making it comparable to the likes of the Haval Jolion Pro, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Suzuki Grand Vitara; however, the packaging in the Aircross allows for a 444-litre boot in 5-seat guise, which expands to 839-litres with the second row folded flat. Boot space in the 7-seat derivative with all 7 seats in place is non-existent but expands to 511-litres with the third row folded flat. Ground clearance is 200mm, so similar to key rivals, its 1 280kg kerb weight is very reasonable for a large car. The third row of seating on the 7-seat derivative is only really suitable for short adults and children and not for extended trips, while the second row of seating is reasonably spacious.
Specification
The latest features 17-inch alloy wheels, the no-cost option of both metallic paint and the dual-tone roof colours, multiple USB ports, a 7.0-inch digitised instrument cluster, a 10.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, airconditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, cloth-covered seats, driver's armrest, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps and roof rails. As you can see, the Aircross is relatively basic by modern standards, however, there is an even more basic derivative on its way with fewer creature features and a manual gearbox.
Drivetrain
Both variants in the current C3 Aircross range are powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The engine sends 81kW and 205Nm through the front wheels. The claimed fuel consumption is 6.3 L/100km; however, we achieved closer to 7.7 L/100km during the launch event.
Drive impression
At the media launch, we had a chance to drive the Aircross from Fourways to Pretoria and back again, offering a good mix of city, rural and highway driving. Initial impressions are not entirely positive; while the engine and gearbox provide sufficient power, torque and reasonably smooth shifts, the ride quality feels busy, with tangible vibrations coming through the pedal box and steering wheel even on smooth road surfaces. I suspect that the rear suspension has been beefed up to accommodate the additional occupants in the rear, leaving an unladen example feeling the same as many unladen bakkies with higher rear spring rates. Still, many who are shopping in this segment will find the allure of the torquey motor, automatic gearbox and relatively cavernous interior appealing at this price point.
Stellantis WePledge programme
While I'm almost allergic to marketing rhetoric from motoring brands, which are often more fluff than substance, Stellantis appear to be putting their money where their figurative mouths are. This pledge states the following:
- The brand will guarantee mobility for vehicles under warranty with OE parts and technical diagnostics unavailable within 48 hours.
- Security detail will be dispatched on request for people feeling unsafe in the breakdown area.
- Mobility guarantee for vehicles under warranty awaiting OE Parts and OE Technical Support after 30 days at an approved repairer.
- Quality Check Certificate – Provide accident repair quality check certificate to assure manufacture standard.
Verdict
I feel that the shift in focus for the Citroën brand from its mid-tier aspirations into the more budget-friendly sphere is a good move for the French marque and Stellantis in general! While this C3 Aircross is far from perfect, it strikes the right balance between space, spec and price to secure reasonable sales numbers within the local market.